I am looking for a scope for my 30-06 and the reviews vary wildly, so I figured I would get first hand accounts on a good scope. I don't plan on making shots more than about 300-400 yards absolute max, but I would like to be able to zoom in pretty good at that distance. I know Vortex makes some pretty good ones, but I am open to really any reputable brand..

Having used a Viper PST for a few years, it is a good scope. I had a problem with how easy the turrets would turn, often getting moved while the rifle was slung. I have an idea that may help with that, but never tried it, I sold the scope.

CCoker got me in touch with a Burris rep, and I asked for an XTR II to review. They have a 5X magnification and a wide variety of magnification ranges to choose from.

1.5-6X2-10X3-15X4-20X5-25X

I chose the 3-15X wanting the ability to get a sight picture quickly when an animal is very close, and knew 15X is plenty for me to take to 1000 yards. This far I am extremely pleased with the scope. I can in fact get a perfectly focused sight picture at 20 yards, all the way out to 1K, and everything in between. The glass is better than a PST, the turret clicks are very positive, to the point you have to really mean to turn them, which is perfect. Zero stop, illuminated that self kills after being left on for 2 hours, side focus of course, first focal plane of course, complete with Burris's own scope caps that have been outstanding, as well as a sun shade for those that like them. I think Burris went into the project wanting to compete with Vortex Viper PST, and from what I have seen using the scope, Burris has left Viper PST in their dust.

You might call this stupid logic but I've bought a bunch of scope for rifles and I now start with a default based on price, performance, and flexibility of use. The default scope is a Leupold VX2 3x9 40 mm long range reticle. If that isn't appropriate for the rifle or use planned, I better have a good story to convince myself that I made the correct decision. I do buy other scopes, but in every instance, I can explain why I chose to do so. I think this is a good place to start, and I can't imagine in not being a good choice for your .30/06.